Pitch shifting allows you to manipulate the pitch of an audio clip or sample without affecting its timing. They are most commonly used on vocals although pitch shifters can be used on any audio source. And while most DAWs offer basic pitch-shifting capabilities a dedicated plugin can excel in terms of quality and control. But, there’s no need to de-tune your wallet to get a good pitch shifter. We have unearthed 5 fantastic free pitch-shifter plugins for your consideration.

Pitchmunk by Vox Samples

If you are after a simple pitch shifter dedicated primarily to vocals then Pitchmunk is a great option. It allows for a respectable two-octave pitch range up or down allowing you to embrace either your inner chipmunk or dungeon-dwelling demon. Switch off the ‘follow formant’ switch and be prepared for some otherworldly weirdness. Filter, drive and parallel mix controls are also included.

So if you need a simple tool to quickly experiment with vocal pitching effects this plugin performs brilliantly.

Graillon 2 by Auburn Sounds

On the opposite side of the simplicity spectrum, we have Grallion 2. For a free pitch shifter plugin, this one has a rather impressive array of tools and features. If you are after the classic T-Pain Autotune effect throw subtle pitch processing out of the window and Graillon 2 has you covered.

As well as basic pitch correction you also have harmonising functionality. Select a key value and you can transform your original vocal into a rich-sounding full choir. There are also options to add modulation through its pitch-tracking modulation feature. Experiment with different values for a wide range of interesting effects including spacy and robotic sounds.

So if you are prepared to go a little deeper and crave a higher level of control over your pitch shifting this free pitch-shifter plugin should certainly be on your radar.

MIDI Choir 3.0 by MV’s Plugins

As the name suggests Midi Choir specialises in transforming your vocal into a full choir. While the user interface is simple and easy to use, under the hood this sophisticated plugin employs advanced algorithms to humanise the multi-pitched vocals. The results are rich, natural-sounding harmonies. While these sound great on lead vocals the Midi Choir really excels when used on accompanying ahhh’s and ohhh’s.

The addition of a gate, limiter and Reverb allows you to further sculpt the sonics of your harmonies. And I know this is only aesthetic, but who doesn’t like twiddling brushed steel 80’s hifi style knob’s?

Pitch Shift by Blue Lab Audio

While this free pitch-shifter is unlikely to win any awards for the flashiest looking or most imaginatively titled pitch shifter around, it does provide some of the best sounding free pitch-shifting around. It does one job and does it exceptionally well, especially when using the Best 4 quality setting.

Blue Lab Audio have developed algorithms that are designed to avoid the phasing effect that is often associated with pitch shifting. There is also a built-in transient boost dial. This allows you to dial back in any attack transients that may have been lost through the shifting process. A common issue often encountered when pitch shifting.

Pitch Shift, like many of the Blue Lab Audio plugin’s has been praised for its top-quality processing. Be warned though, when used on the best quality setting it can be quite demanding on your processor. If you’re DAW starts to struggle maybe consider bouncing down the pitched audio.

Spectrum Lemuring by Fugue State Audio

And finally something a little different. Fugue State Audio describes Spectral Lemuring as a lo-fi pitch shifter with some extra functionality. This pitch shifter is aimed at a more experimental user that wants to take pitch and use it as a tool to sculpt original and abstract sounds. In essence, Spectrum Lemuring allows you to process and manipulate the pitch of both the high and low frequency of an audio signal independently. As you can imagine this has the potential to lead to some interesting results. In addition, this plugin allows you to ‘freeze’ and then add pitch-based processing to your frozen audio. Great for creating ethereal or sinister drone effects.

So whether you are an experimental electronic producer or looking for raw-sounding pitch manipulation for lofi or hip-hop beats, this free pitch-shifter plugin is worthy of your consideration.

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